Save $$$ Thousands on Your Bathroom Renovation with wedi

If you're planning a bathroom renovation and want a tiled shower, there's a smarter way to build.

wedi is a premium German-engineered waterproof building system specifically designed for wet areas such as bathrooms, showers, and laundries. It replaces traditional building methods that rely on plasterboard, heavy cement-based boards, and time-consuming liquid waterproof membranes.

But one of the biggest advantages of wedi in New Zealand isn't just faster installation—it's the potential to save thousands of dollars in compliance costs.

Save Time and Money with a Building Consent Exemption

In most cases, installing a new tiled shower requires a building consent. This can add significant cost and delays to your renovation project.

However, when a tiled shower is constructed using the wedi system, it will often qualify for a Discretionary Exemption from your local council, avoiding the need for a full building consent.

The benefits can be substantial:

• Exemption applications are often processed within a week.
• Building consents can take 20+ working days.
• Exemptions may cost as little as $600.
• Building consents can cost $3,000 or more.

That means you could save both time and money while still achieving a fully compliant, high-quality tiled shower.

Why Choose wedi?

Beyond the potential compliance savings, wedi is simply a superior building system for wet areas.

It’s 100% waterproof, unlike traditional systems, wedi boards are waterproof throughout their entire core. There is no need for a separate liquid membrane, reducing installation time and eliminating another potential point of failure.

Fast & light, it’s fast to install, no drying times, wedi can be tiles 30 minutes after installation. wedi boards are easy to handle and cut on-site while providing excellent strength and durability.

Used worldwide for decades, wedi delivers long-term reliability and peace of mind for homeowners, builders, and installers alike.

Do I Need a Building Consent for a Tiled Shower?

Normally, yes. However, a tiled shower built using the wedi shower system can often qualify for a Discretionary Exemption rather than requiring a full building consent.

This is possible because wedi offers a unique combination of:

• CodeMark certification
• Certified installer training
• Comprehensive quality assurance processes
• Manufacturer-backed warranties
• Detailed installation systems and documentation

A Discretionary Exemption can be applied for through your local council.

Note: Exemptions are granted at the discretion of the relevant council and are subject to meeting council requirements.

Typically, the following conditions apply:

• The installer is wedi certified.
• Installation follows wedi's CodeMark-certified system and guidelines.
• The work complies with the New Zealand Building Code.

Applications can generally be completed online through your local council. In most cases, no on-site council inspection is required, making the process quicker and simpler than a traditional building consent.

Councils including Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, and Rotorua have already granted exemptions for wedi shower installations.

Our team can assist with the exemption process and help fast-track your application.

Contact our wedi specialist:

Vaughan Harley
021 161 2244
Vaughan.harley@ardexnz.com

What About Producer Statements (PS3s)?

Another significant advantage of the wedi system is that builders do not need to be PS3 authors when installing wedi (in Auckland only). 

Provided the installer is wedi certified and follows the manufacturer's installation requirements, standard Producer Statements can be used as part of the process (Auckland only).

This removes another layer of complexity for builders and provides greater confidence for homeowners and project managers.

Learn More About wedi

If you're planning a bathroom renovation, talk to your local Tile Space Trade team about whether wedi is right for your project.

You could save thousands in compliance costs, reduce installation time, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a premium waterproof building system.